« | Psalm 86 | » |
1 Hear, O Lord, and answer me. For I am suffering and in need.
2 Keep my life, for I am faithful to You. You are my God. Save Your servant who trusts in You.
3 Show me loving-kindness, O Lord. For I cry to You all day long.
4 Bring joy to Your servant. For I lift up my soul to You, O Lord.
5 For You are good and ready to forgive, O Lord. You are rich in loving-kindness to all who call to You.
6 Hear my prayer, O Lord. Listen to my cry for help.
7 I will call to You in the day of my trouble. For You will answer me.
8 There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord. And there are no works like Yours.
9 All the nations You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord. And they will bring honor to Your name.
10 For You are great and do great things. You alone are God.
11 Teach me Your way, O Lord. I will walk in Your truth. May my heart fear Your name.
12 O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You with all my heart. I will bring honor to Your name forever.
13 For Your loving-kindness toward me is great. And You have saved my soul from the bottom of the grave.
14 O God, proud men have come up against me. A group of fighting men want to take my life. And they do not think of You.
15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of love and pity. You are slow to anger and rich in loving-kindness and truth.
16 Turn to me, and show me loving-kindness. Give Your strength to Your servant. And save the son of your woman servant.
17 Give me something special to see of Your favor. Then those who hate me may see it and be ashamed. Because You, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.